The history of papermills around Brussels in Belgium

The area in the south and the south west of Brussels are the roots situated of the Belgian paper and Cardboard industry. Due to the more complex procedures in the city of Brussels, this handcraft became an attractive business. The landscape in the south west of Brussels, with small rivers with different altitude was the perfect location to build paper mills. The small rivers where useful to construct waterwheels. This mill was already existing in 1532.

The old papermill at Herisem

Archive makes that we may have an upper limit for the age of this papermill. The old mill at the Herisem site already for sure existed in 1571. But the exact date that this "old mill" is constructed is unknown. From this period there are only a few parts left and a few machines, machines that where lather used in the cardboard production process. 

Photo: The old mill for a part constructed from bricks containing iron substances	Photo: The Kollergang

A part of the old mill is constructed from iron containing bricks which where excavated locally around Brussels (Bruineput). Historian think that those stones are coming from the 17th century building which was before constructed on this place.

The history of the Belgian paper from the 15th century

The first paper was produced in the Far east, in China. Paper was produced from Bamboo plants. By trade between different populations the product com through Asia, the middle east and Africa to Europe. The basic production procedure stayed, the only thing what changed where the substances which where used to produce paper. The substances where those that paper producers could found in there own area. By the introduction of paper in Europe the production process was already adapted a few times. Also the heaviest work was done already by waterwheels. An important step in the distribution of papers would be made by the Teutonic knights.

The first consumers of paper in Belgium where the city town halls and there administration. First in Flanders and lather on also inside the country. The demands towards paper was growing slowly due to the more and more complex administrative procedures. Those more complex administrative procedures needed more information holders like paper.

Because there was no need for an huge amount of paper until the 15th century, it was sufficent to import paper in Belgium. This is probable the reason why there were no paper mills in Belgium and around Brussels until the 15th century.

Source: De Herisemmolen - Jos De Gelas

Location of the museum 

Alsemberg (community Beersel), in province Flemish Brabant, in Flanders in Belgium. This is 15 min. by car from the old market square of Brussels. Route planner...

Openings hours and reservations to visit the papermill museum

To visit our museum we appreciate you reservation. We wish you always welcome but espacially during the openings hours or contact us for more information about visits or reservations.

Entrance prices of the museum